Leadership Illawarra Program 2027-2028 Application

Leadership Illawarra Program 2027-2028 Application

Thank you for your interest in the Leadership Illawarra Program (LIP). This application is an opportunity to share your leadership journey, your aspirations, and the contribution you hope to make to the Illawarra Shoalhaven. LIP recognises that there is no single way to be a leader. We welcome applications from people at all stages of their leadership journey who are curious, committed to learning, and motivated to make a positive difference in their workplace, industry or community. Leadership may be demonstrated through influence, collaboration, service, technical expertise, advocacy, lived experience, cultural leadership or formal leadership roles.
Alternative application upload

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Accessibility and Inclusive Applications

LIP is committed to an application process that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible. We value the diverse experiences, perspectives and leadership styles that strengthen our region and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We recognise that people communicate and demonstrate their strengths in different ways. We welcome applications in the format that best enables you to share your experience, leadership and aspirations. This includes applicants who speak English as an additional language, have different communication preferences, use assistive technology, or simply prefer a format other than written responses. If a written application is not your preferred format, you are welcome to submit some or all of your responses as a video, audio recording, handwritten document, presentation, or another format. Applications submitted in alternative formats will be assessed using the same selection criteria as written applications. If you choose to prepare your application in an alternative format, you can upload your alternative application here. If there is anything we can do to make the application process more accessible, or if you would like to discuss an alternative submission format before applying, please contact us admin@rdais.com.au. Our team is happy to assist and work with you to support your application.
Personal Details
Full Name

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Preferred Name
Date of Birth
How do you describe your gender? (optional)

Other
Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Mobile number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email address
example@example.com
Emergency Contact and Referral Source
Emergency Contact - Full name

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Emergency Contact - Relationship
Emergency contact phone number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
How did you hear about the Leadership Illawarra Program?

Other
How did you hear about the Leadership Illawarra Program? - Other
Current Employment Details
Current organisation/employer
Current job title(s)
Date commenced in this role
Business address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2
CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip Code
Business phone number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Business email address
example@example.com
Brief description of your current role, responsibilities, staff, etc.
Copy of your CV

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LinkedIn profile URL
Experience and Training

Please list your education, training and professional development in reverse chronological order
Institution 1 Name
Institution 1 Start Date (YY)
Institution 1 End Date (YY)
Institution 1 Qualification(s) & Specialisation(s)
Institution 2 Name
Institution 2 Start Date (YY)
Institution 2 End Date (YY)
Institution 2 Qualification(s) & Specialisation(s)
Institution 3 Name
Institution 3 End Date (YY)
Institution 3 Start Date (YY)
Institution 3 Qualification(s) & Specialisation(s)
Institution 4 Name
Institution 4 Start Date (YY)
Institution 4 End Date (YY)
Institution 4 Qualification(s) & Specialisation(s)
Institution 5 Name
Institution 5 Start Date (YY)
Institution 5 End Date (YY)
Institution 5 Qualification(s) & Specialisation(s)
Please list any leadership, community, volunteer, or extra-curricular activities you have participated in.
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words per question. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Your professional role and impact
Please describe your current role (or most recent role, if you are between roles) and your main responsibilities. Share one or two examples that show how your work has made a positive difference for people, projects, organisations, workplaces, or communities
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words per question. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome
Community Engagement
Tell us about any community, volunteer, cultural, civic, family, professional or informal contributions you have made. This might include paid, unpaid, or lived-experience contributions. What was your role, and what impact did your involvement have?
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words per question. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Personal Initiative
Please share an example of a time you noticed something that could be improved and took action. What did you do, and what changed as a result?
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words per question. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Growth Mindset
How do you approach learning and development? Tell us about something new you have learned in the last few years. What prompted you to learn it, and how has it influenced the way you work or lead? You may wish to include formal education, training, mentoring, lived experience, reflective practice, or learning ‘on the job'
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Values and Leadership Practice
What values guide how you work with, lead or positively influence others? Please share one example of how you have put a value into practice.
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Clarity of Vision
When you think about your future as a leader, what are you working towards over the next few years? This could be related to your role, your community, your industry, or an issue you care about.
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Impact Potential
What challenges or opportunities do you see in your field, community, or region, and how would you like to contribute to positive change?
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
What has motivated you to apply for the Leadership Illawarra Program at this time?
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
What strengths, persepectives or lived experience would you bring to the program cohort?
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
What do you hope to gain from the program?
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Supporting your participation

This information is optional, will not affect assessment, and is not shared with the selection panel. It is used only to support participation and create an inclusive learning environment.
This program involves group discussion, collaborative learning, reflection and opportunities to develop presentation and communication skills. Is there anything that helps you participate at your best in group or learning environments?
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Do you require any adjustments or supports to fully participate in the program?
If yes, please specify adjustments or supports
Do you have any dietary requirements? If yes please specify
Program Fees and Scholarships

The Leadership Illawarra Program is a fee-paying professional development program. Program fees contribute to the delivery of workshops, mentoring, site visits, regional and parliamentary study tours, masterclasses, program resources and participant experiences over the two-year program. The 2027-2028 program fee is $9000 + GST per participant. This fee is billed across both years of the program. Payment plans are available for participants who are offered and accept a place in the program. Many participants are supported by their employer; however, self-funded participants are equally welcome to apply. Submitting an application does not commit you or your organisation to payment. Program fees are only payable if you are offered and accept a place in the Leadership Illawarra Program.
The Leadership Illawarra Program offers a limited number of scholarships to support access and participation. Scholarships are assessed separately and do not influence selection outcomes. Would you like to be considered for a scholarship?
If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please briefly describe the circumstances that have led you to seek financial support and how receiving a scholarship would enable your participation in the Leadership Illawarra Program. You are only expected to share information you are comfortable providing.
Suggested word limit: approximately 250–300 words. You do not need to use the full word limit, clear and concise responses, or structured dot points are welcome.
Employer or Sponsor Support
Is your employer/organisation a member of the Illawarra Connection?
I have my employer’s full support to participate
My organisation may be available to participate by hosting a site visit
Who will be responsible for the payment of your program fees?

Other
If other, please specify who will be responsible for your program fees
Where applicable, please provide acknowledgement from your employer of their awareness of your application (e.g. an email including their name, position title, date, and confirmation of support for your nominating for the program).

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Program Commitment

The Leadership Illawarra Program is a two-year experiential leadership program that combines leadership development, mentoring, networking, and immersive regional experiences. Participants are expected to actively engage in the program, contribute to discussions and collaborate with their cohort throughout the two years. As a guide participants should expect to commit to: An average of approximately 7 hours per month (Monday-Friday) for workshops, site visits, and program activities. One full day visit to NSW Parliament (weekday) One overnight tour to Canberra (two weekdays) Three full day UOW Masterclasses, and one full day AICD Governance course (typically all held on Saturdays) A structured mentoring program, with meeting arranged at mutually convenient times Occasional preparation or reflective activities before selected sessions Optional networking and social events held outside of business hours Participants are expected to maintain a minimum attendance of 80% across all core program events. If attendance falls below this threshold, the Program Manager will discuss circumstances with the participant before determining an appropriate course of action which may include consultation with the participant's employer and/or possible withdrawal from the program. Before applying, please ensure you can commit to the program’s time requirements and, where applicable, have the support of your employer to participate in activities scheduled during business hours.
Application Agreement

I understand the goals and time commitment required of a participant of the LIP. If selected I will devote the required time to attendance and personal involvement. I understand the LIP aims to develop leaders who contribute positively to their organisation, industries, and communities. If selected I agree that any information and photographs throughout the program may be used for program promotion and media releases, including the Leadership Illawarra Program and associated websites. Regional Development Australia (RDAIS) is dedicated to keeping your details private. Any information collected from you is kept strictly secure and shared only with our Program Partners and site visit hosts as required.
I have read and understand the expected time commitment of the LIP and, if selected, am able to actively participate throughout the two-year program.
Both I and my employer (if applicable) are aware of the time commitment, organisational, and financial contributions required.
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Leadership Illawarra Program 2027-2028 Application

Accessibility and Inclusive Applications

Personal Details

Emergency Contact and Referral Source

Current Employment Details

Experience and Training

Your professional role and impact

Community Engagement

Personal Initiative

Growth Mindset

Values and Leadership Practice

Clarity of Vision

Impact Potential

Supporting your participation

Program Fees and Scholarships

Employer or Sponsor Support

Program Commitment

Application Agreement